Integrated Pond Culture: A Type of Spatially Sequential Polyculture

Polyculture, the culture of two or more aquatic species in a single culture unit, has proven ecologically sound and practical. However, when cultured organisms have different physical needs or have antagonistic (competitive or predator‐prey) relationships, successful polyculture becomes unlikely. To remove the constraints without loss of the advantages of polyculture, an alternative system of “integrated pond culture” has evolved. The antagonistic species are cultured in discrete ponds which maintain contact only through the flow of nutrients and food organisms. By simple engineering and proper coordination of the ponds, this system shows promise for conserving water, energy, and especially nutrients. This is reflected in reduced operating cost in stocking, feeding and harvesting. Comparisons are made of polyculture and integrated pond culture with regard to aspects of management, engineering, economics and ecology.